John Peter Rhys Williams, the 1970s rugby legend best known as Jay Pree Williams, died on Monday at the age of 74.

Rugby ballPhoto: DANIEL VAQUERO / Sipa Press / Profimedia

His death was announced by Bridgend Ravens, who consider the former defender and club chairman “a world rugby icon”.

His aura and speed made him one of the best players in the history of the sport.

JP Williams played for Wales 55 times and won the Five Nations tour three times in 1971, 1976 and 1978, according to News.ro.

“The rugby world has lost one of the greatest players of all time, a man who revolutionized the full-back position during a 12-year international career that included 55 caps for Wales and eight caps for the British and Irish Lions,” Welsh Rugby said. Terry Kobner, who was one of his teammates in the 1976 and 1978 Grand Slams.

A Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, Williams was also an orthopedic surgeon. He was married to Shilla and had four children.